This week, Garrett reviews QUARANTINE by Rahul Mehta. Released in 2011, it’s gained new meaning more recently, as most people have had to experience the liminal sensation of being trapped between worlds and states of being. Each of the stories feels simultaneously autobiographical and critical, with a healthy dose of mixed and compounded identity.

This week, Read Appalachia talks with Kris Maher, the author of Desperate: An Epic Battle for Clean Water and Justice in Appalachia, which is out now from Scribner books.

This week on the blog, Garrett Robinson wrote advocating an addition to the Appalachian literary movement: Appalachian Fantasy. This is a topic that’s always on one burner or another at Read Appalachia, since the team is 100% fantasy nerds, so while this piece is an introduction, expect more on this topic in the future.

Knott explores the tense, troubled relationship of an Appalachian to the land he lives on and the forces that damaged it. He examines the ways that generational trauma bleeds downstream until at the resources exist to halt its trajectory. And finally, he looks forward with hope and determination, committing to a better future regardless of adversity.

This week, Garrett wrote about his relationship to the work of Annie Dillard, exploring the ways that her artist's eye and her obsession with the details of her habitat helped him fall in love with his own home in Appalachia.

Garrett Robinson reviews Labor Days, Labor Nights by Larry D. Thacker.

Garrett Robinson reviews Something’s Rising by Silas House and Jason Kyle Howard.

Meet our new intern, Garrett Robinson!